Episode # 1545
Air Date: December 23, 1971

PROLOGUE

In the Horton Living Room, it's the night before Christmas Eve: tree trimming night for the Hortons. Tom comes downstairs with his pipe and notices that he doesn't have tobacco. He sees his family assembled in the living room and is filled with pride. Tom heads to his study where Sandy is using Tom's medical books to study. She talks to him about learning all this stuff...how impossible it is. He tells her that she's the fourth generation of Hortons to say the same words. He tells her that his father was a doctor too and tells her that it's his desk. They talk about Sandy being so busy and even busier with her internship to start in July. They have a proud moment as Alice calls everyone to the living room. Mickey enters from the front door and is greeted by Bill and Tommy. Tom comes from the study with his pipe lit. Tom feels old seeing his grown sons. Alice tells him that they are going to get the tree. Tom mocks that he used to get the tree and feels older now that his sons are going to do that job. She tells him that she needs him at the house. They all go to the living room discussing which type of tree to get: table-top, metal tree- pink, purple or even plastic? Alice says that she wants a real green tree. Bills jokes about getting a good deal on a tall tree and they just have to cut a hole in the ceiling. Alice jokes about getting Tom out of "tree retirement." Tommy tells his dad to watch out for Alice spiking the punch bowl.  She tells him she better not catch any one of them spiking the punch! The Horton boys leave to get the tree. Alice and Tom put their arms around each other and talk about being happy that their sons are here for Christmas.

ACT ONE

Tom plugs in the Christmas tree lights. Marie, Addie and Alice bring in the last boxes of ornaments. Alice spreads out a tree skirt for the tree. Marie gets the tree stand. Tom makes a comment about the lights looking like a bunch of snakes and then he looks at Marie (who helped him uncoil the lights). Marie hands him the stand. He jiggles the stand and doesn't know what to do with it so he puts it down. Marie and Alice are opening the boxes and see dust. One box has the tinsel. Addie opens another box and finds the Horton ornaments that Grandma Horton made for everyone just before she died. All gather around the box, looking at the ornaments for the family. Each ornament has a name: Tom, Alice, Mickey, Tommy, Addie, Bill and Marie. Marie, Addie, Tom and Alice are remembering Grandma Horton. Addie says that she used to tell her, "pretty is as pretty does." Alice remembers her working on the ornaments even with her failing eyesight. Addie tells Marie that she was a tomboy, climbing trees. Addie remembers Ben, who told her that he married her because she reminded him of Grandma. Alice wishes Steven could have made it to Salem. Addie does too. Alice points out that she has Julie and her family here. They stare at the ornaments: Mickey's then Tom's then Bill's. Marie talks about the time that she and Bill went to the roof to clean it for Santa and had to call the fire department. Addie recalls the time she was a Christmas angel and Tommy hid the wings behind the fireplace and Tom decided to have a fire in the fireplace that night. They look at each other as the Horton men come back with the tree. Alice sees the tree and thinks it's the most beautiful tree ever. Tommy says that she says that every year. She tells the boys where she wants it. Alice goes and gets some water for the tree stand. Marie and Addie open more boxes of ornaments. Tom comments that it took them a long time to come back with the tree. Mickey says it wasn't the tree that took a long time, it was finding a liquor store that was open. They all smile.  

ACT TWO

The boys are trying to level the tree. They comment about the women vanishing as there's work to be done. Tommy says that they went to the kitchen to make sandwiches. He then asks Mickey what time Laura and Mike are showing up. Mickey says that it should be any time now. They talk about Mike's wish for a motor scooter and Laura's objections. Mickey says maybe Mike can get it for his birthday. They talk about Julie, Scott and David being late because of last minute shopping. Tom enters the room with some popcorn. They talk about perfect timing and spiking the punch. When the doorbell rings, Bill goes to get it: it's Laura and Mike. They have a "moment." Mike wishes Uncle Bill a Merry Christmas. They hear the men in the living room laughing and Mike runs into the living room as Bill and Laura stay by the door. Laura asks about everyone being here and Bill tells her that Julie will be late. She notices the gifts in the hallway and Bill tells her to take them to her place. She asks why he doesn't come over Christmas Day? He says he thinks that he won't be able to make it. Laura now notices that he doesn't want to be at her home with Mickey there. Laura tells him that he should give his godson, Michael, his present. Bill thanks her and they go to the living room.

ACT THREE

Laura and Bill walk into the living room as Mike is giving his opinion on the lopsided tree. Mickey embraces Laura. Mike mentions how lovely they were when he gave them the mistletoe. Bill is watching them as Mike makes these comments. Addie, Marie and Sandy enter the living room. Sandy also comments on the tree being lopsided. Mike asks who is putting up the lights? They all look at Tom, who tells everyone that Marie's the expert. The Hortons all get into the ornament boxes and start trimming the tree. Laura asks about Alice and Addie tells her that she's in the kitchen guarding the punch bowl. 

In the Horton Kitchen, Alice is putting the finishing touches on the sandwiches as Laura enters. Alice tells her that she's too late to help. Alice says that she had too much help and she asks Laura if they have started on the tree trimming. Laura says that they have. Alice asks Laura about her and Mickey's New Year's Eve anniversary. She asks if she can throw them a party. Laura thinks that's very considerate of her but she thinks they should have a low key celebration. Alice expected this answer and tells her maybe next year.

Mike and Bill go to the hallway. Bill gives Mike his Christmas present. He tells him that he wont be about to come to his house for Christmas. Mike is sad and questions him as to why? Mike tries to get him to change his mind by telling him that he picked out a great present for him. He's sad but thanks him for his gift. Bill stares at his son and asks for a Christmas hug. Laura sees this tender moment between father and son.

ACT FOUR

Some time has passed and the tree is half decorated. Alice and Tom are in the foreground, with Bill, Mickey, Laura, Tommy, Sandy, Marie, Addie, and Michael behind. As Alice holds the box with the special ornaments, we feel the beauty of this moment. Each Horton will step forward individually to select his or her ornament and hang it on the Christmas tree. Alice asks everyone to remember Grandma Horton. Tom hugs Alice. She calls out Mickey's name and he comes to get his ornament and hangs it on the tree. He kisses Alice and puts his arms around Laura. Addie steps forward as Alice call her. She selects her ornament and hangs it. She thanks her parents for letting her come home again. Tommy picks out his ornament. He thanks them for sharing their lives with him and his daughter. He goes to Alice and kisses her on the cheek. Tommy looks at Sandy as she moves close to him. Alice gets emotional. Tom calls out Marie's name. She goes up to hang her ornament. She looks at Tom and Alice and touches Alice softly on the cheek. She says that she's truly blessed. Alice calls Bill. He hangs his ornament up and looks at his parents. He thanks them for putting up with him for another year. Tom tells Alice it's her turn. Alice selects her ornament and hangs it, as Tom hangs his at the same time. Tom then lightly kisses Alice as there is a moment of lovely silence, then the children applaud. Individual shots: Mickey, Laura and Michael; Tommy and Sandy; Marie and Addie side-by-side; only Bill is alone. Now Alice, dabbing at her eyes, goes to a box she's put aside, and holds it facing all the Hortons. Alice opens the box to other ornaments that she has made for the rest of the family. All crowd forward to look. A tight shot of the box is shown: Alice has made ornaments for all those who don't have them: Laura, Sandy, Michael, Julie, Scott, David, Doug, etc. "Ooohs" and "ahhs" are heard from all. Alice calls for Laura to hang her ornament. She tells Alice what a beautiful thought and kisses her. Alice next calls Sandy. Sandy takes her ornament, and with tears in her eyes, looks at Alice and hangs her ornament as Tommy watches. Alice then calls Michael's name. He says "Boy, Grandma. Thanks!" As Mike is hanging his ornament, Bill and Laura are shown looking proud. Tom takes the box and puts the other ornaments aside until the others get there.  He stands next to Alice to admire the tree.

Alice gives a speech: "The ornaments Tom's mother made for us and for our children, they have, though the years, become a very special part of our Christmas. I hope and pray the ones I've made will live on and on, for future generations. And that at this time of year, for one magic moment, you will always share a memory of love...and togetherness."



They all take in Alice's words and Tom cuts in to say that it's time for a toast. Bill and Tommy go to the kitchen to get the punch bowl. They all get a glass and one that's set aside for Mike. Alice spots the actions right away and admonishes her sons for spiking the punch bowl. Tom gives a toast: "My lovely wife has already expressed what's in all our hearts...and beautifully. So, all that's left for me to say is "Merry Christmas" and the happiest of holidays to each of you!" Tom extends his glass straight to the camera, looks into it, and says: "And to all our friends everywhere!" All the Hortons raise their glasses and drink. A tight shot of the Christmas tree is shown, as the Horton family ornaments glow in yuletide splendor.

Episode # 1546
Air Date: December 24, 1971 

PROLOGUE

It is Christmas Eve Day and Doug is in his “Christmas whiskers” as he answers the phone. Bill is on the other line. Doug has picked up the Santa suit box and asks Bill when is he getting here to try it on. Doug reminds him about last year. Bill says that he can change in the hospital utility room. Doug asks him when he should bring the Santa suit and Bill says 3 o’clock. Bill tells him the room number, 207, and tells him not to be late. They hang up, As Doug starts to dial the phone again, the doorbell rings. He isn't expecting anyone, but Julie shows up with some presents. They hug. He was going to call her so they could exchange gifts. She asks him what would have happened if Scott had answered the phone. He tells her when a man answers he always hangs up. He says it's fate because Bill was supposed to be here. Julie asks about the hospital stuff. He tells her about Bill being Santa and and himself helping spread holiday cheer. Julie can’t believe he likes to be around kids. Doug says only once a year! Julie tells him he better be on his best behavior at her grandmother’s tomorrow. They begin to flirt.

ACT ONE

Julie and Doug are exchanging their gifts for each other. They both have one package that looks the same in size. They end up both giving themselves the same gift: a trip to Portofino! They can’t wait to go. Julie hands him a second package: a pinky signet ring with the inscription “with all my love.”  He kisses her and puts on his ring. She kids that she wants to tattoo “hands off—he’s mine” on his forehead and he says the same. She tells him to stop worrying about Scott. Doug hands Julie his other gift. It’s a small diamond on a thin chain, like a pendant. She holds the diamond to her right finger and tells him that someday she’ll wear it right there. They kiss. Julie wants to thank Uncle Bill for not stopping by. They talk about Bill and his feelings for Laura. Doug thinks he should do something and Julie says he has his reasons for not doing anything. Doug is thinking of something….he’s going to have a little Christmas surprise for Bill and Laura.

At the hospital children's ward, Laura sees all the kids and decorations. A little girl, Tina, asks if Santa Claus is really coming to the hospital. She tells her yes, at three o’clock. Laura tells her that she knows Santa and he never lets anybody down (as she thinks of Bill as Santa). She hugs the girl.

ACT TWO

Tina has gone back to tell the other kids at the ward what Laura said as she watches them with excitement. Tom joins Laura and notices how much she enjoys the Christmas party. She says it makes her feel good inside to see all the kids’ faces light up. Tom says that it's all because she started the tradition here at the hospital when she was an intern.  She says that she could never have done it without Bill. Tom says he’s a reluctant Santa, but Laura says Bill loves to play the role. Tom says Bill feels bad coming here because of the suspension, which is understandable. Laura says that even though the staff resents Bill, he still agreed to be Santa. Tom notices Laura’s defense of Bill. They then talk of Doug and Bill being here pretty soon. Tom says that he can spread holiday cheer too and has shiny half-dollars that he jingles in his pocket. Tom goes to the kids and hands them the half-dollars. Tom leaves for an appointment. Laura gets a phone call from Doug. He says that he has a problem. Doug tells Laura that he’s supposed to meet Bill with the costume in room 207 but he will be late. Someone is going to have to help Bill get dressed. She asks about the suit and Doug says he’s sent it over by taxi and it should be there any minute. Nurse Baines comes in and hands Laura the Santa suit. Laura tells Doug that the suit’s here and he wants her to help Bill. She agrees. She tells him to be sure to be here for the party. Doug is so proud of himself – his plan worked. Julie calls him a genius...or a devil. Doug says someone has to do the pushing and if Bill’s not the one to do it, then he will.

ACT THREE

At the hospital storage room, Bill arrives and sees the box and starts putting on the suit. He’s muttering to himself about Doug being there to help him. He looks for the pillow as he hears a knock on the door. He thinks it is Doug and opens to see that it's Laura. He doesn’t greet her well and tells her he thought it was Doug. She gives him the pillows that he was looking for as he helplessly tries to hold up his pants. She makes fun of how big the suit is and she tells him that Doug called as was going to be late. She was asked to fill in for him. Bill is suspicious of Doug’s actions. Laura starts helping him stuff the pillows in his body. He apologizes for the unwelcomed reception and mood. He thanks her for helping him get dressed. She says it's ok and their eyes meet. She helps him with the Santa jacket and glues on his beard. As she is applying the glue they touch...it's electric. They both are feeling attracted to each other. She looks at the finished product and says that his nose isn’t red enough. She gets lipstick from her purse and gently rubs some on his nose. They can’t stand the attraction…he says her name…Laura. The moment is ruined as Doug comes in….what bad timing! Laura leaves. Doug apologizes and Bill knows that this was Doug setting this all up. They head out for the children's ward.

ACT FOUR

At the children's ward, Tom and Laura are in the background as the kids are enjoying Doug singing “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.”  As he finishes the song, jingle bells are heard announcing Santa’s arrival. Tom and Laura get the kids excited as “Santa” comes in with a sack of toys. As Santa is handing the kids toys, Doug, Tom and Laura start singing (possibly "Silent Night" or any song Doug plans to sing for the moment). Santa talks to a couple of kids and asks them if they have been good. As Bill wraps up talking to the kids and giving them presents, Doug asks him to come and sing a song with them. Nurse Baines comes in with cake and lights the candles. The kids are busy with their presents but some sing for Santa. Laura takes the whole scene in and, in the moment, gives Santa (Bill) her red balloon. This signifies her acknowledgment of her feelings.

Episode # 1547
Air Date: December 27, 1971 

PROLOGUE

In the Horton Dining Room, though there will not be any mention of Christmas Day, this will be the end of the family dinner. There are six empty places at the table where people have obviously had dinner with them but have since departed. Tom is at the head of the table, Alice on the side opposite, with Scott, Julie and Bill to her right, Addie, Doug, and Laura to her left. They’re sitting over after dinner coffee- though the remnants of the meal remain. Play closeups as much as possible, with action and reaction shots. Alice is bummed that Sandy, Tommy and Marie have left. Tommy and Sandy had to go to the hospital and Marie to the convent for services. Laura compliments Alice on a wonderful dinner. Doug wants a compliment on being the turkey baster. Tom and Doug joke about Alice not running away with Doug.  Now they are talking about Doug’s love life. They question him about not having a special woman in his life. Addie says he should be ready to settle down. Bill says that Doug’s not that type of guy. Tom breaks in to say to Scott that it's good that he and David are back in the family and they missed them. They talk about Mickey taking the boys ice skating. Laura says that Mickey built a rink in the backyard and Mike loves to skate ever since Bill bought him those skates. Laura's going to go in a couple of minutes and give them some hot chocolate.  Alice wants the members of her family that are left to chat. Doug leaves to get some coffee and Alice thinks that they need to make a fresh pot. Julie, on cue, gets up and says that she’ll make it. She leaves but Addie notices it. Doug, confident it's Julie’s hand, grabs her and takes her in his arms. They kiss and embrace.

ACT ONE 

In the Horton Living Room, Addie and Scott are talking by the fireplace. She figures out that he left the people in the kitchen and wanted to take the time to say how good it is to have him and David back in the family. Scott says he missed the family. Addie says she can relate because she was away in Paris and has that feeling of “coming home.” Scott asks if she misses her son Steve. Addie says he’d old enough to have friends and be off in Paris on his own. Scott notices the differences in parenting Steve and Julie. Addie says it's different for guys. She says Julie is immature. Addie says Julie is lucky to have such a man of his caliber and asks how’s married life. He says that they are both trying. He says David is cautious when it comes to his mother. Addie wants to know if Julie is trying with him. He tells her that it was Julie’s idea to reconcile, so she’s trying. Addie is thinking about Doug. Scott still can’t believe that she wanted back in the married life. He thinks she was bored and wants a life of excitement.  Now, he thinks it may be because she wants David back in her life. Addie says there’s more to it because she wants to buy a new home for them. She thinks that’s a show of good faith. Addie gets to the point and wants to know if this marriage can become real. Scott says that Julie is a smart woman, so yes, he thinks it could become a real marriage.  Addie gives him some advice: Julie likes someone to take charge and tells him another thing: they should have another kid. She spies Doug coming in the room and tells Scott it would solidify his marriage. Doug hears the advice and gives this look of shock and anger towards Addie.

ACT TWO

In the Horton Dining Room, Bill and Laura are cleaning up. Laura thanks him for the flowers for her mother. He tells her it was nothing. She tells him that it was a nice sentiment and she plans on visiting her mom and dad later this week in Chicago. He asks about her mother's condition and she says there's no improvement. She says her mother was full of life when she came back from her pre-med days in college, but since then her mother has changed. She has no emotion and stares into space. That’s why Laura decided to go into the field of psychiatry. Bill tells Laura that he would like to meet her mother sometime. Laura invites him to come this weekend, but, as tempting as it sounds, he declines.

ACT THREE

In the Horton Living Room, Scott, Addie and now Doug join the conversation. Scott and Doug talk about his job at the restaurant and how Bill will be coming back to the hospital and losing his right hand man. Addie says it’s a shame that Bill is wasting away there instead of being a doctor at the hospital.  Doug gets offended and tells Addie at least he’s doing something and having a good time. Addie counters and asks him if life is just about “having fun and kicks." Doug tries to have Scott agree and Scott doesn’t take the bait. Scott is about to leave to look for Julie but he remembers to thank Doug for those investment tips he gave him. Scott tells Addie that Doug really has an eye for investments. Doug goes to the tree and stares at the ornaments. Addie says off-handed compliments to him about women and his investments. Now she insults him for the life he leads and tells him that she and her parents weren’t raised that way. Doug tells her that her parents aren’t like her at all. They go to church, but aren’t stuffy. Doug tells her to try not being so judgmental and live life instead. She angrily looks at him and tells him that he needs a lesson in manners.

ACT FOUR

In the Horton Kitchen, Tom, Alice, Julie and Laura are finishing up the huge clean up. Tom says he's hungry. They all look at him and he gives a compliment to Alice and kisses and hugs her. Laura invites them all for hot chocolate and says they can watch the kids at her place. Bill says he plans to see Susie and takes a rain check. Scott and Julie are leaving and offer a ride to Laura because Mickey took the car. Tom and Alice agree to go to Laura’s for hot chocolate. Tom wonders about Addie and Doug. Scott tells them that he left them talking in the living room. Alice wants to give them more time by themselves and tries to find more dishes to wash. Bill reminds Alice about the “deal with Doug” and they have to do it before they leave. Tom picks up a small box and they all head into the living room where Doug is looking at the tree. They ask about Addie and Doug tells him he thinks she went upstairs. Alice asks Julie to call her mother, she wants everyone still present to be in the living room. Tom tells everyone that some know what's going to happen but all will agree it’s the right thing to do. Alice gives this speech: "Doug, well, how do I begin?...I suppose by saying the obvious: how much we all love you, how in the comparatively short time we’ve known you, you’ve practically become a member of the family. Perhaps the first family you’re ever really had, knowing that you were raised in an orphanage. On the Christmas tree, you’ll notice ornaments with the names of everyone very near and dear to us. All members of our family. Today, we decided we wanted to add one more ornament, one more name." Alice opens a box and reveals an ornament with Doug’s name on it. Tom then takes some "legal-looking" papers out of the box and gives this speech: "And to make this even more official- though not exactly legal- Mickey drew up these formal adoption papers. It won’t require a change of last name, however. This is merely our way of saying: welcome to the family, Doug." Doug is genuinely moved. The assembled guests applaud, all that is, except Addie, though no one notices her lack of participation. Doug is left speechless and says that he doesn’t deserve it. Bills says that’s all he has to say? Doug takes a dramatic walk to Tom, pauses, and says: "Dad?...about my allowance…." Everyone congratulates Doug, including Julie. All except for Addie, who is removed from the background, looking disgusted.