It's Christmas or the Hanukkah or the Holidays or whatever you celebrate. In any event, this week (and you can, in part, credit the blog outage for this), 'RTSB' is taking somewhat of a break from the heavier stories and bringing some romance back to Santa Barbara. Those who have read Tuesday's episode got the first taste of that, with hugely romantic moments between Cruz & Eden and Ted & Angela. That will continue through Friday. Expect to see the following couples enjoying such interludes this week: Lionel & Augusta, CC & Sophia, Keith & Gina, Rafe & Lily and one more surprise couple on FRIDAY! Unfortunately, I cannot do one for Mason & Julia, since it obviously doesn't fit with their storyline right now. M & J will get one someday, promise.

Episode 26 will not be posted at the originally scheduled time, since I want to give readers a chance to catch up. Expect to see it up sometime after 10 PM EST.

The Christmas Eve episode airs Friday. I promise a VERY special moment at the end.

As for the Christmas Day episode, to be honest, it's a work in progress. But I guarantee that it will be like Christmas episodes of 'SB' past- with the characters playing the roles in a classic Christmas story. I just haven't decided which one. Any ideas or suggestions any of you may have about this I'd love to hear!!! However, do not expect to see a Kris Kringle appearance this year. Next year maybe!

Also, for two episodes only (Dec. 22 & Dec. 26), expect to see the following previously unannounced guest appearances:

Carmen Zapata as Mama Carmen Castillo

Henry Darrow as Rafael Castillo

Ismael Carlo as the ghost of Ruben Andrade

Julia Campbell as Courtney Capwell

Shell Danielson as Laken Lockridge

Marisol Rodriguez as Carmen Castillo