(We open where we left off, in the yellow parlor room in the Montgomery House. Everyone is there but Valerie, Jordan, Lizzie, and Daphne. Katie and the twins play with their new toys on the floor, but they look tired. Leah leans sleepily against her mother.)

Bert: Merry Christmas, everyone.

Mike: Merry Christmas, guys. We're just kinda restin' before we head home.

Bob: You guys sure had a busy Christmas season!

Mike: Yeah, no kiddin'.

Emma: It was generally a lot of fun, though.

Bert: Hey Mick, did you ever get the lights on your house working?

Micky: Yes, I did. It took some doing, but they work.

Bob: How about the Pad? Did you ever get to putting the lights on the Pad.

Mike: Yeah. They work, too, and that's all I'm going to say on that subject.

Emma: We're going to have quite a few more vignettes for this story, even after we finish here.

Bob: That reminds me, ladies. Why the odd story format?

Emma: Bob, we decided to do this year's Christmas story as a series of vignettes and skits simply because we couldn't think of a holiday story we both wanted to do that was fun and original.

Mike: Yeah, we already did "A Christmas Carol."

Peter: And anyone can do the hundredth version of "It's a Wonderful Life."

Emma: We spent all year trying to think of a Christmas story we could do that wouldn't repeat what other people have done...and finally gave up somewhere around October. Instead, we decided to take a leaf from less linear holiday movies like "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" or "A Christmas Story" and do a series of short stories and skits about the Monkee families preparing for the holidays.

Peter: (Nods) It's a good idea...and a lot simpler that way.

Emma: We figured our minds wouldn't really be on writing by the time we got to December anyway, so we'd just keep it light and silly. We're going to be having enough evil in the spring.

Mike: (Frowns; ears almost seem to perk up) Evil? What do you mean by that?

Emma: Let's put it this way. Our next four-part story starts in March.

Mike: You couldn't wait for the summer again?

Lauren: Where's the fun in waiting?

Emma: The devils will be returning then, along with two more villains who have only been seen in a few recent short stories.

Mike: Damn, I think we're in trouble.

Micky: I don't like the sound of that.

Emma: (Grins at Micky) Don't worry, Mick. You and Davy will have a lot of fun with this one.

Micky: *gulps* I don't like the way you're looking at me! *Turns to Lauren and sees the same grin* Yikes!

Mike: (Sees Emma turn the look to him) Yeah, I know what you mean, Mick. Man, Halloween was two months ago, guys!

Davy: Haven't we been picked on enough lately?

Emma: You still have a couple of months. Next month is our annual January round robin story.

Mike: Hope it's better than last year's.

Emma: You're just mad because you got beaten up in last year's round robin story.

Mike: Besides that, last year's round robin got too complicated. There was too much goin' on. I didn't really get into it.

Emma: (Sighs and looks at Lauren with a grin) Don't worry, Baby. I think we have a winner this year. Have you ever wanted to be a famous treasure-hunter, like in those serials in the 30s and 40s?

Peter: (Grins) That could be fun. Searching for rare treasure, discovering lost civilizations...

Mike: Flyin' to lost civilizations in some old bi-plane...

Emma: Writing books about lost civilizations...

Mike: (Grins at Micky) And of course, we'll need a famous inventor and mechanic to help us find those civilizations.

Micky: Of course! *pauses* Though I don't like the sound of the bi-plane.

Mike: Well, how do you propose we find a lost civilization, by steamboat?

Micky: ...Yes?

Emma: (As Mike groans) We'll figure it out next month, Mick.

Bert: Hey, where did Emerald...um, float off to?

Peter: (Shrugs) We don't know. She just kind of disappeared after Mike and I hugged. I guess she went back to her room to look at her new scarf.

Mike: She sure did like that thing. It's probably been years since she got a Christmas present.

Bert: So, where are you holding Christmas tomorrow?

Mike: We're gonna have Christmas Day dinner at the Pad and do New Year's at Micky's. The kids will all open their presents from their parents and relatives at their own homes, then everyone's gonna come over our house late in the afternoon. Em said she's makin' a real big roast beef for the carnivores and a fancy squash casserole for the vegetarians.

Emma: (Nods) And there will be plenty for everyone. (Giggles) Yes, even you, Micky.

*Micky crows.*

Mike: Yeah, we'll play more games with the kids after dinner and maybe watch TV or read a book, then everyone will head home.

Emma: It's the same thing we do every year at one house or the other.

Mike: Hey Mick, if it's nice, maybe you and I can take the kids out to the beach to let them run off some steam before dinner.

Micky: Sure! Man, I'd love that, too!

Mike: It'll give the kids somethin' to do (leans over and mutters to Emma) and keep Micky out of the food.

Emma: (Whispers back) Right. Thanks, Baby.

Mike: You're welcome, darlin'.

Bert: What was your favorite thing you did this holiday season?

Mike: Hospitality Night, hands down. Taking the kids there was a great idea, Em. We all had a lot of fun AND got shopping done.

Emma: I knew you'd enjoy it. (Grins) I liked baking, once we got the guys out of the house.

Peter: Wrapping presents at Stainton's Department Store, (makes a face) even the big ones. I know Val had fun at the party the other night. She's upstairs with Jordan, getting him into bed.

Davy: Daph took Lizzie home.

Peter: Davy, what did you enjoy doing most this Christmas?

Davy: Spending time with everyone.

Mike: And I'm sure we'll find more stuff to do, with and without the kids, durin' the Christmas break.

Bert: Let's go back and look at this year in general. What was your favorite story this year?

Emma: (Grins) The long November play story.

Mike: (Groans) I had the feelin' she was gonna say that. The one about the poker game.

Davy: I liked the Magic Show one myself.

Peter: I didn't appear in about half of this year's stories, but (grins) I think I'll say "OCM: Obsessive Compulsive Monkee."

Mike: (Frowns) That wasn't the one where...

Peter: Yeah. It's not often I get to scare YOU, Michael.

Micky: *chuckles* He's got a point, Mike.

(Mike rolls his eyes and mutters under his breath.)

Lauren: I liked the short "Nightmare On My Street.*

Micky: *glares* You would.

Mike: Somehow, Lauren, that doesn't surprise me.

Micky: *sighs* I don't know which one. I had a lot of stuff done to me this year.

Lauren: Just the way I like it.

Bert: But you got to do some pretty cool stuff, too. How about the time you were a polar bear, or when you helped save Mike, or built the laser that saved Davy in "Attack of the 50 Foot Monkee?"

Micky: Any of those would make great moments because both of those also had moments that scared the shi...sugar out of me.

Lauren: Nice catch, there, Mick.

Micky: Thanks.

Bert: Are you guys a group again?

Mike: Not officially, no...but we are a company. We don't have a name yet, but I've talked to a few folks, and they said they'd love to print our sheet music.

Peter: Groovy!

Mike: (Grins at Micky and Davy) And our sales department needs to start drummin' up some publicity.

Micky: Of course!

Mike: We'll be doin' more with our company after the New Year.

Bert: So, how are those new neighbors, Mick? Does Elaine still want to kill you about the lights?

Micky: She probably does, but I don't care. It's my house, and the electric company hasn't complained since I initially light everything.

Emma: And sorry Mick, but I'm afraid Elaine and Martin are now permanent characters who will pop up whenever we really need snobs around.

Micky: *shrugs* Like I said, I don't really care. If they have a problem with us, it's THEIR problem, not mine.

Mike: (Smiles as Katie leans against his leg) I think it's time to take this little cowgirl home.

Emma: (Cuddles the long-asleep Robbie) After all, Santa Claus is coming tonight...and he won't come if little girls and boys aren't in bed!

Peter: That's right! Jordan's already in bed, and I'll bet Lizzie is by now, too.

Mike: (Turns to Davy) Want us to give you a ride home, Dave?

Davy: Sure! Thanks, Mike.

Emma: Peter, why don't you close out this interview segment and the year for us?

Peter: Thanks, Em. (Turns to the camera) We at Dream World would like to wish all of you the very merriest of Christmases and the happiest of holiday seasons, wherever you live. From our homes...to yours. We'll see you in the New Year!

Everyone: Merry Christmas!

(Fade out on the parlor room of the Montgomery House as adults begin to round up children. Fade in on the beach in front of the Pad the next day. The sky is blue, the water sparkles, and the sand is alabaster white. We hear squealing and screaming as the twins barrel in first, chased by their father, followed by Leah and Lizzie trying to catch them. Mike, Peter, and Davy walk behind with Jordan and Katie. Mike carries an old, faded straw tote bag.)

Peter: This was a great idea, Michael! It's really too beautiful to sit inside all day and watch TV while the girls finish dinner.

Mike: After the cookie-snitching incident last week, I figure the faster we got out of their hair, the better. Besides, Robbie needs his nap.

Davy: And others need to let off some energy.

Katie: Can we play Frisbee, Papa? (Big Jake the dog bounds behind her, barking and yapping.) Big Jake likes to play Frisbee!

Mike: (Mutters) He likes to EAT the Frisbee.

Peter: (Spreads a blanket about half-way to the water) I think this is a good spot. Where's Micky and the twins?

Katie: At the water! (She points to the water's edge, where Micky's chased the twins. Leah and Lizzie are still following them.)

Mike: (Calls) Hey guys, come back here! It's too cold for swimmin'!

Davy: *shakes his head* That won't stop them.

Katie: (Calls) Shelly! Mick! We're gonna play Frisbee now!

Mike: (Grabs Big Jake's collar before he can take off for the water) Oh no, you don't, boy. You ain't shakin' all over and gettin' us wet. Em would have my head.

Peter: I'll get them. (He runs down to the water. We see him tell Micky something, then pick up Lizzie. Micky picks up Leah, and all five trot back over to the others.)

Mike: Ok, Mick. You guys ready to be creamed in a serious Christmas Day Frisbee tournament?

Micky: Us creamed? Oh, please.

Mike: Yeah, you!

Peter: Why don't we split into teams? Michael, Katie, Big Jake, Jordan, and I will take on you two and the twins. Leah and Lizzie may go wherever they wish.

Micky: You're on!

Mike: Ok, then. Here we go! (He tosses the Frisbee as a fast instrumental "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" begins. Big Jake jumps up and grabs the Frisbee. Katie and Jordan chase after him. Peter is finally able to get the Frisbee from him, and after wiping off the dog drool on the edge of the blanket, he tosses it to Micky's side.)

*Micky makes a running grabs, then sails it to Peter.*

(Peter jumps up and catches it easily. He leans over and tosses it lightly in the twins' direction.)

*Shelly lines up to catch in, but Little Mick runs in front of her and makes the grab. He tosses it in Mike's general direction. Shelly plants her little fists on her hips, pouting.*

(Mike catches it and tosses it lightly to Katie. She tosses it to the twins...then runs in front of Little Mick, distracting him.)

(Big Jake runs back and forth between the groups, howling and jumping and trying to catch the Frisbee.)

(Katie grins as the Frisbee sails easily into Shelly's hands!)

*Shelly tosses it back to Katie, but Little Mick cuts it off again and grabs it. He tosses it to Peter.*

(Peter makes a face, shaking his head. He tosses it lightly to Jordan instead. Jordan misses it and chases after it, blushing. Big Jake grabs it and goes tearing down the beach! Mike, Peter, Katie, and Jordan all have to chase him across the sand before Katie finally distracts him with a stick. Mike throws the stick, and Big Jake goes after it instead. Mike wipes the Frisbee off on the side of his jeans and tosses it to Davy.)

*Davy tosses it to Micky. Micky holds the Frisbee above the twins' heads as they jump up and down, each hoping to get to toss it. Micky shakes his head, then sails it to Peter.*

(Peter tosses it to Jordan again. This time, he does catch it. He throws it lightly to Katie, who tosses it to Mike. Mike shakes his hand after Katie throws it - what a toss! He grins, pulls back his arm, and throws the Frisbee as hard as he can to Mick!)

*The Frisbee sails lower as in gets closer to Micky. Micky bends down a little to make the grab, but the Frisbee sails right into his gut, but he manages to hold on. Puffing, he whips it to Davy, and remains slightly bent over.*

*Davy tosses it back to Mike.*

(Mike catches it and tosses it to Katie, who jumps up and grabs it before Little Mick can get in front of her. She tosses it to Shelly, still trying to avoid Little Mick.)

*Shelly tosses back to Katie in an attempt to play keep-away.*

*Micky is still slightly bent over.*

(Katie quickly tosses it to her father before Little Mick can get it. Mike catches it as Peter goes over to Micky to ask him if he's ok.)

Peter: (As the music ends) Mick, are you all right? I saw where you got hit.

Jordan: Unca Micky, how come you're all bent?

Micky: Other than I don't think I can stand up straight right now, I'm peachy.

Peter: Davy, could you give me a hand with Mick? I think we'd better go inside.

Davy: Sure, mate. *goes to Micky's other side*

(Lauren hurries onto the beach as the two help Micky stand as well as he can.)

Mike: Hi, Lauren. (He turns to the kids) Come on, gang. Help me get Big Jake and the Frisbee.

Katie: Ok. (She takes Big Jake's collar. Jordan takes the Frisbee. The twins go get Lizzie and Leah, who were playing quietly in the sand near the blanket. Mike picks up the blanket and, taking it a little away from the kids, shakes it out.)

Lauren: Supper's ready. *eyes Micky* Should I ask what happened?

Micky: No.

Mike: Accident with the Frisbee. Long story.

Peter: Come on, Mick. Let's get you inside. Maybe Em's roast beef will make you feel a little better.

Micky: Sounds good to me.

Katie: Come on, Big Jake! Dinner time! (Big Jake barks enthusiastically.)

(Everyone follows Lauren up to dinner as we fade out on the beach and the sun setting on the beautiful Christmas Day.)

(Cut to the Main Street Malibu Beach set. Mike, Micky, Davy, and Peter stand in front of the old-fashioned Candy Store window. They wear winter clothes and hold a candle. It's evening - at least, it's dark - and the candles and a soft light from offstage bathe the boys' faces in a rosy glow as they sing their annual performance of "Riu Chiu." The candles and the off-stage light go out when they finish the song, plunging everything into dimness, with only the outline of the boys' faces and the candy shop window seen.)

(And we cut to "Christmas Is My Time of Year" played over scenes from the "production." We end with a live scene of the entire cast and crew waving and wish a Merry Christmas as we cut to "A Raybert Production" in green font on the red holly-border background.)