A/N: Hey! I know that this is a Christmas fic, but I've had it in my head for a while now, and thought it couldn't hurt, even though it isn't the 'holiday season' anymore. I'm thinking that this will be about ten chapters, but that could always change. Also, the title was inspired by John Lennon's 'Happy Christmas, War Is Over' which I seem to be obsessed with right now. This story is a little A/U, as everybody already knows each other, except Joanne, and a few other things, but just ignore them and enjoy the story. Kay?
So, without further ado, the fic!

I do not own Rent.

Joanne Jefferson was a lawyer. A very well known and respected lawyer. Whenever someone had a case that they really cared about and wanted care put into, they brought it to her. They knew that she would put her whole self into it until it was finished.

But it was almost Christmas, and Joanne had just finished one last case before taking off for the holidays. Being a lawyer, she had come to appreciate what little holiday time she was given, because quite often she would be called in at random times to help someone. This was why Joanne always made sure she stayed in New York during the holidays. Getting a reputation of always being there when she was needed was partially what got Joanne all her cases.

So of of course, this posed a problem when her parents called up and said that they were going to California to see her grandparents.

"Why can't you come along Joanne?" her mother inquired over the phone to her very shocked daughter.

"I've told you Mom, I have to stay in town because of work."

"But can't you get out of work this once? Just to visit your grandparents? They would love to see you."

Joanne shook her head. Her mother never seemed to understand how important her work was. "I can't Mom, I really need to stay here. I'm sorry. Have fun in California, and tell Grandma and Grampa that I'm sorry I couldn't come. Merry Christmas."

She talked to her father briefly as well, and after wishing him a Merry Christmas as well, hung up the phone and sank into a chair.

She had always spent Christmas with her parents. Every year, without fail. It was strange to think about how this year would be different. It shook her to have her plans thrown off so suddenly and thoroughly.

Joanne shook her head and laughed at herself. She was too easily fazed by change. She assumed that was the lawyer in her; she had to have everything just so.

She chuckled and stood up, calling her cat and heading to her room to get ready for bed.