Maxie Jones and Damien Spinelli with Santa Claus (2008)
Santa Claus Comes to Town or more specifically Christmas 2008 was a special Christmas-themed stand-alone episode of General Hospital which aired on December 23, 2008. In the episode, Damien Spinelli meets the infamous Santa Claus, who sought the assistance of himself and Maxie Jones in delivering special gifts to the people of Port Charles.
Storyline[]
As Santa Claus sat in Harborview Towers, struggling with the PDA that Mrs. Claus had gifted him, Damien Spinelli entered and confronted the perceived intruder with a display of kung fu. Santa, recognizing that Spinelli lacked true martial arts skills, requested his assistance with the electronic device. Initially skeptical, Spinelli's attitude shifted when he spotted the reindeer atop the Metro Court Hotel, prompting him to inquire about Rudolph's absence, as he did not see the familiar red nose. Santa explained that Rudolph was unnecessary for the clear night ahead, but he hoped it was acceptable to take a few carrots for the other reindeer. Spinelli mentioned that a significant amount of data had been lost, to which Santa replied that he would return at 11:59 p.m. to retrieve the PDA. Among the lost information was the wish list of the residents of Port Charles, and it was Spinelli's responsibility to discover what everyone desired for Christmas. Santa hinted that if Spinelli could repair the PDA, there might be a special surprise in his stocking. When Spinelli answered a knock at the door, he was delighted to find Maxie Jones. He brought her to meet Santa, but they discovered that the jolly figure had vanished, leaving only his coat behind. Maxie expressed her disbelief that Santa had been present, yet she chose to join Spinelli on his quest.
At the Spencer Family House, Lulu Spencer entered and greeted Lucky Spencer with warm wishes for a Merry Christmas Eve. As Johnny Zacchara was occupied with work, Lulu chose to keep her brother company, given that Elizabeth Webber was looking after the boys. Shortly thereafter, Nikolas Cassadine and Luke Spencer arrived, and they decided to order pizza. Luke inquired about the absence of a Christmas tree, to which Lucky replied that he had not yet acquired one. Lulu suggested they visit the tree lot where Johnny was employed, but Luke surprised them with an unexpected revelation: a truck had passed by, causing a tree to fall off and roll right to the doorstep just as he arrived. Nikolas then brought the tree inside. Lulu was delighted when she answered a knock at the door to find Spinelli and Maxie there, bringing Christmas cheer. Spinelli presented Lulu with an unusual key, remarking that Father Christmas operates in mysterious ways. Although Lulu found Spinelli's behavior peculiar, she returned to decorating the tree after their departure. Luke reminisced about his first Christmas with their mother, Laura Spencer, recalling how she had charmed a store owner into giving her a tree topper angel for free. Lulu, Lucky, and Nikolas searched high and low for that angel to adorn their own tree. Lucky retrieved all the Christmas boxes, but the angel was nowhere to be found. The final box felt empty and was locked. Taking a chance, Lulu tried Spinelli's key on the lock. To her surprise, the box opened, revealing the angel inside. Just then, the phone rang, and it was Laura. Luke spoke with her first, followed by everyone extending their Christmas wishes.
In the apartment of Patrick Drake and Robin Scorpio, Patrick entered with eggnog lattes just as Robin was experiencing a moment of distress. The living space was in disarray, the Christmas tree was only partially adorned, and Robin was convinced that Patrick had forgotten to retrieve the dessert. Although Patrick offered to go and get it, he soon realized that the shop had already closed. Observing Robin's frantic search, he inquired if he could assist her. Robin was unable to locate the necklace her mother had gifted her on her wedding day, a cherished piece that had also been given to Anna Devane by her grandmother on her own wedding day. Shortly thereafter, Anna and Robert Scorpio arrived, and Anna remarked on how lovely Grandmother Filomena Soltini's necklace would look on Robin with her blouse. Robin dismissed the comment, not wanting her mother to discover that she had misplaced the necklace. Robert and Anna suggested they begin with dessert, reflecting on the past year's lessons about prioritizing sweet moments. Just as Robin was about to inform them that there was no dessert, a knock at the door interrupted her. It was Spinelli and Maxie, extending their Christmas greetings. Robin replied that they already had everything they could desire. Nevertheless, Spinelli insisted on presenting a gift before departing. The group was taken aback when they opened the package to find cookies inside. While everyone, except Anna, hesitated to sample something from Spinelli, Anna took a bite and was left in amazement. Robert followed suit, encouraging Robin to try them as well. Although Patrick was not pleased with Robin tasting something from Spinelli, Anna and Robert reassured him that they would not allow their daughter to engage in anything harmful. When Robin finally took a bite, she was astonished to discover that the cookies were identical to those her grandmother used to bake for Christmas. Grandma Filomena had promised to share the recipe with Robin, but sadly passed away before she could do so. In addition to this revelation, Patrick found the necklace that Robin had lost.
Alan and Monica reunite (2008)
At the Quartermaine Mansion, Edward, Monica, and Tracy Quartermaine had collectively resolved to endure a dismal Christmas. However, maid Alice Gunderson was making every effort to uplift their spirits for the holiday season. Both Tracy and Monica opted to forgo the hospital Christmas party to avoid one another, resulting in their unexpected company at home. Edward reminded them of Lila Quartermaine's fondness for the holidays and recalled how Emily Quartermaine used to assist her in decorating the Christmas tree. The absence of Emily and Lila made it unbearable for them to celebrate the season. Alice attempted to persuade them to partake in a Christmas dinner, but their reluctance to celebrate remained steadfast. The spirit of Alan Quartermaine made his presence felt to Tracy, urging her to convey his love to Monica. Tracy retorted that he should communicate this himself. Their disputes were interrupted by the arrival of Spinelli and Maxie. Spinelli brought a gift but was uncertain of its intended recipient. Tracy and Edward resolved to attend the Christmas party, leading Spinelli to conclude that the gift was meant for Monica. However, she was not in the mood for presents, prompting Spinelli to place it beneath the tree. Alan's spirit then engaged Monica in conversation, mentioning a pair of glasses he claimed she needed, as she only perceived what she wished to see. Upon donning the glasses, Monica was suddenly able to see Alan. Unsure whether he was a ghost or if she was losing her sanity, she found herself unconcerned. Their playful banter resumed, reminiscent of their past, and Monica realized just how much she had missed her husband.
Diane Miller eagerly anticipated celebrating Christmas Eve at Max Giambetti's residence, where she envisioned a cozy evening with her partner, singing carols and roasting chestnuts. However, upon Max's arrival, Diane noticed something unusual atop the Metro Court hotel, which appeared to be Santa's reindeer. Unfortunately, Max brought disappointing news, informing her that their holiday festivities would need to be relocated to the Metro Court hotel due to his business associates needing accommodations, which forced him to vacate his own home. Upset by this turn of events, Diane left in a huff, believing that Max did not wish to spend Christmas with her. She later encountered Bernie Abrahms, expressing her frustration over Max's disruption of their plans. Bernie endeavored to keep pace with Diane's outburst, attempting to share insights about Hanukkah and its significance. He reminded her of his status as a widower, highlighting that while he had no one to celebrate with, his family would still light their menorah candles as a means of connection.
Maxie and Spinelli encountered Max on the waterfront, where he urgently sought Maxie's assistance regarding Diane. Max elaborated on the circumstances, and Maxie articulated that Christmas was not defined by a particular location, but rather by the company one kept. She emphasized that Diane simply needed reassurance of Max's desire to be with her. Subsequently, Spinelli produced a pawn ticket for Max. The trio then proceeded to visit Bernie and Diane. Spinelli presented a phone to Diane, encouraging her to contact Max. On the line, Diane instructed Max to remain where he was, as she intended to join him for the evening. Upon her arrival, Max presented her with a snow globe he had acquired from the pawnshop and revealed that he had organized an outdoor picnic exclusively for the two of them. Diane was overjoyed. Meanwhile, Bernie remained astonished by Diane's behavior, struggling to comprehend how she could exhibit such toughness one moment and then display vulnerability over a bodyguard the next. As Spinelli and Maxie departed, they sang "Jingle Bells," while Bernie lit his menorah candles and recited his Hebrew blessings.
Upon their return from the Christmas adventure, Maxie was astonished to find Santa once again at Harborview Towers, expressing his gratitude for her assistance with Spinelli. Spinelli, feeling disheartened for not discovering everyone’s Christmas wishes, was reminded by Santa that he did not require a personal digital assistant to understand what people desired for the holiday. Confused, Spinelli inquired about the true essence of his mission. Santa explained that it required a truly special individual—one who embodies generosity, goodness, and sincerity—to perceive the desires within people's hearts. Spinelli then returned the PDA and requested to take a photograph together. Santa consented, and they all exclaimed "Gingerbread" as the picture was captured. After Santa departed, Maxie made her way to visit Mac Scorpio at the police station.
The following morning, Maxie awoke and called Spinelli to share her peculiar dream. In her dream, she had received a gift and opened it, which prompted her to reach out to Spinelli. Maxie encouraged her dear friend to open his own gift. To their surprise, they both found the photograph of themselves with Santa from the previous evening. Maxie then expressed her disbelief that Spinelli had been correct about everything. The two friends turned towards the camera and joyfully declared Merry Christmas!
Trivia[]
- As Bernie Abrahms lights the menorah, it marks one of the few times Hanukkah is seen celebrated on General Hospital.