Riley on the scene.  LOL!  I should seen that coming with Teddy wanting to fix her up with an American.  Spike would have a cow!  :)

very good read, thank you. love dawn's "...just being…Christmassy.” and “But you’d better hope...."

New relationships, old friends, hopes dashed - it's just like Christmas! 

ok.. where is spike?

Can't wait to see what's next.  Poor Buffy and Christmas without Spike...

Very nice chapter, can't wait for the next one.

I don't know how Buffy's gonna keep her vow of not crying... since you have me crying already. Just loving this.

Nice update. It's good to see Buffy coping a bit better - and I'm sure having Xander around will help. Interesting to bring Riley in here. As always, I look forward to more.

I liked these last 2 chappies. Buffy is mourning and missing Spike but trying to be happy and have a normal Christmas. that's pretty healthy. That said ...Riley no, no no,can't stand him.

Can't wait for the next chappie and the Christmas dinner , should be intersting. More soon please. :)

Well if anything would spur Spike into moving back it would be to protect his territory from Riley LOL.  I didn't see that coming.

LOVE the relationship with Xander.  I really think he was headed in this direction on the show (I prefer to ignore the comics).

You set the tone nicely for a woman still in grief but facing a holiday and all the good cheer that includes.  There is a slight distance that you can feel even as she is trying to connect with those she does love.  The good thing is that they are understanding and not trying to force her into moving on.

Excellent....I get a feeling of impending change with this chapter to, one of hope (for the reader at least LOL).

Kathleen

HA ha! Oh, Teddy....after Dawn's through, he won't try THAT again!
It's been so many years, I think Buffy and Riley can be in the same room and just have Christmas. Poor guy might not have to many live friends anymore.
And Willow has a new interest, eh?
Nice cheery chapter.

Never disliked Riley.. but hated As You Were.. and Buffy at that point..

 But if Spike was in "Heaven" and couldn't return.. he would love Buffy enough to be pissed for a second .. yet want her to be happy and if Riley made her happy .. so be it ... I wouldn't but he would..

Your story.. you have said this is Buffy's story and if Spike doesn't return I will be disappointed.. Cause Spike loves Buffy and in this story she loves him..

Not the best of plans to invite Riley into hers and Spike's home!

Riley, hmm - can't wait to see how things go on Christmas. Thanks for the update.

Oh, not Riley again... I foresee a rocky road ahead.

hm.  Maybe a Riley in the house might bring Spike out after all...

Heh, I just finished reading the last chapter and thought "dang, now I have to wait for the next one." When I got back to the main page, it turned out I didn't have to wait very long... :P This is such a good story, I can't wait to see how things turn out :)