As His Family Frets About His Holiday Blues, Eric Teases a Christmas Eve Surprise
At Brooke’s place, Ridge is grateful to have time off. They discuss helping at the mission the next day. Ridge shrugs and admits he’s worried about his dad not getting into the spirit of the season now that he’s not at Forrester anymore. They decide to see if Donna and Eric need a hand.At the Forrester mansion, Donna remarks on the “jolly” decorations, but Eric’s brooding. He’s not really into it this year. It doesn’t feel the same. He doesn’t want to be the Grinch, but… Donna’s sure he’ll come around when everyone gets there. His egg nog will lift his spirits. “You bring the spirit of Christmas.” They embrace.
Holiday Spirit
At the cliff house, Steffy and Finn share a kiss under the mistletoe. Suddenly, the kids run into the room wanting to bake cookies to take to granddad’s tomorrow. They love Christmas Eve there!
They go through the decorations the kids made in past years, and Steffy puts them in a special place. Hayes is hot to open presents but is warned they have to wait. They enthuse some more about Christmas Eve.
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As they cut shapes from construction paper, Steffy worries to Finn that this is hard for Eric. They recap everything that’s happened to him since he nearly died and the forced retirement. Steffy feels they need to celebrate him, and their family, on the holiday. The kids reappear with letters to Santa… they want to give their gifts to kids at the mission. Finn and Steffy gush. They’re amazing.
Finding Eric
Back at the Forrester mansion, Donna is putting gifts under the tree when Brooke and Ridge come in. Ridge asks for his dad, but Donna doesn’t know. He was just there. They question her and she admits he’s having a hard day. Ridge goes to find Eric, and Donna tells Brooke that Eric’s not responding to her texts. He’s been off balance since retiring… he’s not even in the mood for Christmas this year.
Eric enters the showroom at Forrester Creations and turns on the lights before entering the office and sitting at his old desk.
Eric flashes back to arguing with Ridge and grimaces. He thinks maybe Stephanie checked out at the right time… this getting old thing is not all its cracked up to be. He remembers the beginnings of Forrester Creations. Just then, Ridge walks in. “I knew I was going to find you here.”
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Eric just thought he’d pop in and see if anything’s changed. Ridge reminds him tomorrow is Christmas and there’s still egg nog to make. He asks his dad what’s going on with him. “We’re all here for you.” Ridge says he may not be leading the company, but he’s still head of the family. Eric admits he’s been feeling strange, but he won’t let anybody down. Ridge reminds him how loved he is and they embrace.