Disclaimer: Criminal minds and it's characters do not belong to me, I'm only borrowing them.

AN: This was written for the Christmas Fic Gift Exchange on the Chit Chat on Author's Corner forum. This story is written for Ren Kayashima. She gave me the pairing of Reid/Garcia and the following prompts: Silent Night, Christmas blizzard, candy cane cookies, and advent calendar. It's going to be a multi-chapter fic and I plan on using all the prompts. It's supposed to be set in season 7 and all team members make an appearance to some extent.

Also, special thanks to greekEMT(yes I know you're pen name is longer) for brainstorming with me and to my wonderful beta peanutmeg for her help!

Hope you all enjoy!

"Will and I are heading down to New Orleans to spend Christmas with his family this year. I'm looking forward to getting away for a little while. I think it's just what we both need," JJ commented as she grabbed some of the paperwork that was in her inbox as she sat at her desk. The one that used to be Morgan's.

"When are you leaving?" Garcia asked from her perch on the corner of Prentiss' desk. The jingle bells on her bracelet rang out as she tucked some hair behind her ear. It was the Monday following Thanksgiving, and already the technical analyst was trying to spread Christmas cheer. Besides the bracelet, Garcia had tinsel in her hair and had had come in with wreaths for Hotch, Rossi, and Morgan's office doors which she had just finished hanging up before joining Prentiss, JJ, and Reid in the bullpen.

"If everything goes right, as soon as I get home after leaving here on the twenty-second," JJ replied.

"I'll have to make sure I buy the rest of Henry's gifts and get them wrapped before then, so I can send them with you."

"The rest of Henry's gifts?" JJ questioned, looking over at Garcia with a trace of fear on her face. "You mean you didn't finish your shopping when we were out on Friday?"

"Oh, I just want to pick up a few more small things," Garcia said, waving her hand in JJ's direction and causing the jingle bells to ring again.

At his own desk, Reid reached up and rubbed his temple. His headache from this morning was slowly intensifying and the small bells seemed to be doing their best to be as shrill and piercing as possible. The talk of holiday plans wasn't exactly something he was thrilled to be hearing, either.

"We might have to rent a van just so we can get all of Henry's gifts down to New Orleans," JJ commented, causing Prentiss to laugh and Gracia to give a little humph of annoyance.

"So have you made plans for Christmas yet?" Garcia asked Emily, looking from her blonde teammate to the raven-haired agent whose desk she was perched upon.

"I'm spending it with my parents actually, at my mother's insistence," Prentiss replied, leaning her arms on the papers within the folder she had opened on her desk. "Apparently coming back from the dead has made my mother actually want to spend time with me."

"Well, it's still good that you can spend some time with your family," Garcia said. "Christmas is about spending time with family."

"I'm stocking up on some alcohol beforehand just in case," Emily added.

"Sounds like a good idea," Morgan commented as he walked along the catwalk above the bullpen.

"I thought you enjoyed spending time with your family back in Chicago," JJ commented.

"I do, but I also know that Mom is going to be harping on wanting her grandbabies and I'm not exactly getting any younger."

"Well if you would stop prowling and settle down maybe you could get your mother off your back," Prentiss commented.

Morgan paused, placed both hands on the railing and looked down at her. "Are you offering, Princess?"

Prentiss snorted. "Don't you wish."

Morgan grinned at the comment and caught movement out of the corner of his eye. Though it didn't last long, he caught Reid rubbing his temple even as the young genius continued to try to concentrate on the paperwork in front of him.

"What about you, Sweet Cheeks?" Garcia said cheerfully, turning to look at the young genius, her jingle bell bracelet tinkling with the movement.

"What about me?" Reid asked, looking up at her as he tried not to squint at the brightness of the overhead lights.

"Got any Christmas plans?"

Reid shrugged. "Not really. Christmas has never been a big holiday for me. In one aspect, it's a holiday with deep religious roots, and despite certain experiences I am still more partial to science than religion, and most religious scholars agree that December 25 isn't the actual date Jesus' birth according to religious texts. Therefore, the celebration of Christ's birth on the twenty-fifth is mostly symbolic. In another aspect, Christmas is an overly commercialized event used by toy companies and stores in order to make a profit. Not to mention there is no way one person can deliver toys to every child in the world in one night. It isn't possible."

"Yes, I remember that explanation from last year," Prentiss said, only glancing briefly in Morgan's direction as he came down into the bullpen and leaned against JJ's desk. "And I'm sure Hotch does too."

"I didn't realize Jack was here or I wouldn't have said anything! I've apologized for that I don't know how many times. Studies have shown that the myth of Santa Claus is perpetuated by the belief that parents have that it makes their children happy - fifty-four percent in an 1896 study, seventy-three percent in 1979, and by 2000 that statistic was up to eighty percent. In fact, Benjamin, Langley, and Hall discovered that 70 percent of children who no longer believed in Santa Claus thought that children should be taught to believe. That lie is acceptable in today's society." Reid said, his gaze darting briefly over to JJ.

JJ's shoulders stiffened. "It's fun baking cookies with kids, knowing they'll want to leave them for Santa, and seeing their eyes light up on Christmas morning. It helps make the holiday, and I'm looking forward to spending the time with Henry this year now that he's old enough to get into the spirit of the holiday," JJ said defensively.

"I know. I'm not disagreeing. I understand that it is an important part of what is considered 'traditional' childhood." Reid's face took on a hit puppy dog look as he realized that once again he was dampening people's holiday spirit. "Just because I don't celebrate the holiday - never have, actually, nor have I participated in the belief of Santa - that doesn't mean I'm out to ruin it for anybody."

Garcia reached out and placed a hand on Reid's forearm. "We know that, Sugar," the blonde tech told him sympathetically. "Besides, seeing the pictures of Rossi in the Santa suit with the bag of Jack's gifts was quite priceless," she added.

In order to prove to Jack that Santa did exist, Hotch had convinced Rossi to dress up as Santa Claus and pay a visit to their home right after Jack had been tucked in. Of course Jack had 'caught' Santa in the act and wanted photos taken with the jolly old elf, thus renewing his belief in Santa Claus despite Reid's slip.

"I thought you promised me that no one would see those pictures?" Rossi asked Hotch, having caught Garcia's comment as he and Aaron made their way, through the bullpen.

"I did, but Jack had other ideas," Hotch replied with a shrug, as the paused behind Prentiss' chair.

"Santa Claus, huh? Now that is something I want to see," Morgan commented with a grin.

"Baby-sit for me sometime and I'm sure Jack would happily get them out," Hotch replied.

"I may have to take you up on that," Morgan said.

"I'll keep that in mind then," the unit chief replied.

"What about you, sir?" Garcia asked. "Any holiday plans?"

"Going to New York to spend Christmas with Sean. He's getting ready to open his own restaurant and is doing a Christmas party to kick it off. Figured playing the supportive older brother and showing up was the way to go."

"That's so sweet," Garcia gushed. Her gaze moved from Hotch to Rossi. "What about you, Rossi?"

"New York," Rossi replied. "I got an invitation from a six year old I couldn't pass up," the older agent replied.

"This right after he turned down my invitation to tag along," Hotch supplied getting a laugh from everyone but Reid, who was once again looking down at his paperwork.

"What can I say, your son is better at making it sound fun," Rossi supplied.

"Yeah, right," Hotch told him. He looked out at his other agents. "Briefing at ten o'clock. I'll see you all then."

Hotch received five acknowledgments as he and Rossi continued on to the Unit Chief's office.

"So, what about you, Baby Girl. What are your holiday plans?"

"Kevin and I are going to spend the day together," Garcia replied, her face lighting up at the announcement. "We're even going to cook dinner together. It'll be fun." She looked over at Reid. "You're welcome to come join us for Christmas dinner. Don't think I didn't notice that you don't have plans. No one should spend Christmas Day alone."

"I'm not so socially inept to believe that having me as a third wheel on Christmas is what you really want," Reid replied a little harsher than he intended. "Thanks for the offer though," he added as he got to his feet and walked away.

"What did I say?" Garcia asked, looking around at her friends alarmed. "I didn't mean to upset him."

"We know, Garcia," Prentiss said sympathetically, reaching out and placing a hand on the blonde's upper arm. "Just give him some time to calm down and things will be fine. I don't think I've ever seen Reid get into Christmas much."

"I practically had to drag him to my house last year for Christmas dinner," JJ added.

"But no one should be alone on Christmas," Garcia commented, her gaze still focused in the direction that Reid had taken when he left. She wondered why she hadn't realized it before, but Prentiss was right - Reid never really did get into Christmas. Oh, he participated in the Secret Santa she organized and went along with decorations that Garcia put on his desk, but he never did any decorating himself. ~He probably doesn't even decorate his apartment,~ Garcia thought, realizing that it wasn't often that she dropped in to visit the young genius at his home. When she spent time with him outside of work, it was usually at either JJ's or Morgan's place.

"It'll be fine, Baby Girl," Morgan told her reassuringly as he straightened up.

As Garcia watched Morgan walk in the direction Reid had just taken, Garcia made herself a promise. She was going to make sure that her family, her entire family, had a merry Christmas this year. Even if it was clear that it was going to take a little more effort with some members than with others.

As JJ and Emily started talking, Garcia contemplated how to go about carrying out her plan. It was clear that getting Reid in the holiday spirit wasn't going to happen overnight.

"I'll catch you ladies later," Garcia said, as she slid off the desk with the sound of jingling bells and headed for her own office, possibilities already swirling around in her mind.

In the men's bathroom, Reid splashed some cold water on his face in an attempt to calm his frazzled nerves. If he felt this way already he knew it was going to be a long day. He hadn't gotten much sleep last night, or the night before, thanks to the intense headache that had crept up on him Saturday evening and refused to go away. The headache had been bad in the quiet of his apartment, but as he had stepped outside the throbbing had gotten worse as the every day sounds of a D.C. morning had seemed much louder than normal. His stomach had protested against even the piece of toast he had tried to eat - he'd only managed a few bites - and so as a precaution the cup of coffee on his desk was basically untouched. Add in Garcia's jingle bells, the holiday talk which triggered some unhappy memories for him, and he had been unable to stop himself from snapping at the bubbly tech analyst - something he hadn't done since his struggles with Dilaudid. Since the 'death' of Prentiss in March, he had realized that his struggles with the addiction to the drug wasn't as far behind him as he thought.

Turning off the faucet and pulling some paper towels from the dispenser, Reid dried his face. He felt a bit steadier now despite his pounding head and uneasy stomach. He was about ready to return to his desk when the nausea that he had been battling all morning suddenly grew. Rushing to the nearest stall, he pushed open the door and leaned over the toilet as bile and what little toast and coffee he had managed to swallow this morning emptied into the porcelain bowl. After a few bouts of dry heaves, Reid pressed the back of his right hand against his mouth as he flushed the toilet for his left. Turning, he jumped slightly when he found Morgan standing near the stall. The older agent held a wet paper towel out to him.

"Thanks," Reid mumbled taking the towel and wiping at his mouth even as he headed toward the sinks again.

"One of your headaches?" Morgan asked consciously trying to keep his voice low.

"I haven't taken any Dilaudid if that's what you're politely trying to ask," Reid replied. He tossed the paper towel into the trash can and returned to the sink he had left only a few moments before. "Though withdrawal symptoms might be easier to deal with at this point," Reid added quietly as he turned the cold water on. "At least I know what they're from."

"Don't even joke about that, Kid," Morgan said, his words coming out harsh and blunt. Thinking about Reid throwing away his years of sobriety on anything caused Morgan's anger started to rise. Reid had been through too much to give in to the drugs again, and the fact that Morgan had been through most of those struggles with the younger agent, including the most recent ones resulting from the loss of Prentiss, made Morgan feel as if Reid giving in would be letting both of them down.

Reid spit out the water that he had used to rinse his mouth. "Sorry," he mumbled, as he began to scrub his hands.

"So, what was with that outburst out there? Garcia was only trying to make sure a friend wasn't spending Christmas alone and your reaction upset her. I also think all three of them are worried about you now."

"I'll apologize, okay," Reid replied without answering Morgan's question. He snatched some paper towels from the dispenser.

"Reid," Morgan said softly as he stepped up behind the younger man and placed his hands on Reid's shoulders, "That wasn't meant as an accusation." The dark-skinned profiler could feel the tenseness in his friend's shoulders and he began massaging the tense muscles. "You know if these headaches are stress related you being uptight over the holidays isn't helping anything."

"Who says I'm uptight over the holidays," Reid countered, but he didn't pull away from the massaging hands despite being a bit nervous about someone walking in on them.

"Me. And I'm sure that if I ask Prentiss, JJ, and Garcia they'll all agree with me. It happens every year, Genius. We're profilers, we notice these things."

"Christmas doesn't exactly bring back fond memories for me, Morgan. With my mom's illness and my dad walking out when I was ten, family holidays weren't exactly easy to celebrate, if they were acknowledged at all."

"There's more than one type of family, Kid, and it's never too late to make some happy memories. All you got to do is give things a chance."

Reid let out a small laugh. "I hardly think being a third wheel at Garcia's Christmas dinner with Kevin is going to be a source of happy memories."

Morgan smiled as he moved his fingers closer to Reid's neck, trying to loosen up the tense muscles there. "Probably not, but that isn't the only thing you need to give a chance. Let yourself enjoy some of the build-up to the holidays." Morgan paused to ensure that Reid was still listening. "Besides, my offer to join me in Chicago for Christmas still stands."

"Thanks, Morgan, but I hardly think I'm on the top of the list of people your mother and sisters want to spend Christmas with, especially given what happened the one and only time I met them."

"They understand you were doing your job, Reid" Morgan said, following the younger man's reference. "I can get my mom to extend the invitation to you if it would make you feel better," he added, dropping his hands as Reid stepped away from him. Feeling the need to lighten up the mood, Morgan added, "Mom's always saying she wished she knew you better anyway; she thinks your too skinny and wanted a way to ensure that you ate properly."

Reid smiled. His own mother accused him of being too skinny as well. "I really isn't necessary. I'll be fine here in D.C. Christmas is just another day after all," Reid told him.

"Well, the offer remains open. I'm flying out the morning of the twenty-third and I bought a second ticket just in case."

"Morgan . . ."

"It's already done, Reid, so don't waste time trying to talk me out of it. If you don't want to go it just means I'll have an empty seat next to me on the plane. More room to stretch out," Morgan said with a shrug of his shoulders. "How's the headache?"

"About the same."

"In that case, Kid, why don't you go lie down on the couch in my office until the briefing."

Reid started to shake his head and then decided against the added movement. "No. I don't want to raise suspicion. If Hotch finds out about the headaches he might . . ."

"I'll grab the files from your desk. The girls will just think you're working in my office and won't give it a second thought," Morgan told him, referring to the fact that Reid had started taking refuge in his office following the tense aftermath of Prentiss' return. "Go. I'll be there in a few minutes."

Not really having the energy or inclination to protest, Reid gave a small smile of thanks and headed out of the bathroom, followed by Morgan.

Later that afternoon, Garcia sat alone in her lair while a search for their latest case ran on her computers. The team had been called to Bristow, Virgiania; a small town about a half hour drive away, after the body of a runaway teen had turned up near the railroad tracks. With this being the fourth body in two months, three other teenage girl's bodies having turned up in similar condition , the local police force was now anxious for the BAU's help. One of the girl's remained unidentified, but the other two had been identified as runaways from the nearby city of Manassas. Initially, the local police hadn't made any connection to the three murders, but the latest teen was the daughter of a congresswoman, and thus her murder had attracted the local media.

While her babies were off gathering information, Garcia had started a search trying to identify the second teen that had been found. Until one of the team called in with a request for her services or her search turned up some results, there wasn't much else for her to do, so for now Garcia had time to contemplate her latest personal mission. She was determined that her boy genius would have a happy holiday season and enjoy the festivities, at least in part. She had already conceded that perhaps having him join her and Kevin for Christmas dinner might not have been the best of plans, but that didn't mean there weren't other things that she could do.

She had come up with several ideas already. Plans that she would need to start working on right away if she was going to be able to pull them off. Perhaps she was going a little bit overboard, but it was Christmas, and she was doing all this for Reid. A little overboard wasn't too much to ask, especially as she had unwittingly upset the resident genius that morning.

Looking down at her list, Garcia contemplated the gift ideas she had thought up for the advent calendar she was going to do for Reid. This advent calendar wasn't going to be one of those store-bought ones with candy behind each door, ans so it was definitely one of the things she needed outside help with. She would need to make sure that all of her gifts would fit in it, so it would have to be custom made. Garcia had just the man for the job in mind, and she was sure that convincing him to help her wouldn't take much arm twisting at all. Her Chocolate God had a hard time resisting her to begin with, and well, this was for Reid.

Garcia finished off her list of gifts for the calendar, absently wondering when she was going to get a chance to go shopping. December first was only two days away and she was hoping to set her plan in motion by then. Everything hinged upon Morgan and herself finding time to work on this little project during in down time during this current case. The ringing of her phone interrupted her planning.

"Garcia's lair of computer wizardry, how may I be on service?" the technical analyst said cheerfully into her hands-free device. She pushed her list off to the side ready to focus on her case.

"Hey, Baby Girl. Reid and I have gotten done interviewing the parents of Molly Sanchez. Apparently Molly ran off about six months ago, after what the parents described as an argument with them."

"You think it was more than just an argument?"

"Despite the make-up she was wearing to cover them, Mrs. Sanchez had several bruises on her face and Mr. Sanchez was clearly uneasy with our presence," Reid informed her. "We want you to check into hospital records and see if either Molly or her mother visited the local emergency rooms. Check for records for the other two victims too."

"Do you think Mr. Sanchez killed his daughter?"

"No, he seems genuinely shaken by his daughter's death; however, Molly ran away from home for some reason. One argument doesn't explain a teen running away and staying away for six months. If these teens have a history of ER visits, then perhaps there is someone who is luring away from a bad home situation with the promise of something better."

"Got it," Garcia said scribbling down notes. "I'll get right on it. You two headed back here?"

"Yeah, Hotch wants everyone to meet back up at the BAU so we can all pool our information," Morgan said. Prentiss and JJ had gone to interview the other identified victim's parents while Hotch had gone to see the congresswoman and Rossi checked out the dumpsites and paid a visit to the morgue.

"If you have the time, I'd like to see you for a few minutes."

"Something wrong, Baby Girl?" Morgan asked, a trace of worry coming into his voice.

"No. I just need to run something by you," Garcia said, not wanting to say too much with Reid listening.

"Okay. We'll be there in like twenty minutes barring any traffic jams."

"Okay. I'll see you then, my loves," Garcia said, getting ready to disconnect the call.

"Garcia, hold on one minute," Reid said, making the tech goddess pause. By listening she could hear that Reid had switched the phone off of speaker. "Garcia, I just wanted to apologize for this morning. I know you were just trying to be nice with the offer of joining you for Christmas dinner, and while I appreciate it I don't want to impose. Regardless, I shouldn't have blown you off like I did. I'm sorry."

"Oh honey, there's no hard feelings. I'm sorry about putting you on the spot like that. All's forgiven, Sugar Plum."

"Thanks, Garcia. I'll let you get to work now."

"Stay safe. Garcia out."

Disconnecting the call and turning her attention to her computers to start looking for the information that Morgan had requested, Garcia's spirit felt much lighter now. The team was on its way back. And, her genius had forgiven her, so now she just had to carry out her plans to try and get Reid in the Christmas spirit; after all, no one deserved to not have a merry Christmas, least of all Reid.