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“Barbara and Ian miss Earth, don’t they?” Susan asks.
The Doctor nods. “Indeed they do, child. And as much as I love travelling with them, I wish we could get them back to their own time. But, unfortunately, it isn’t that simple.”
Susan sighs. “I know.” But then she smiles. “But I think there might be a way to cheer them up.”
“Really?” the Doctor says, smiling. “And what might that be?”
“Well, I’ve been researching what humans from England in 1963 enjoyed, and I found something. Grandfather, let’s celebrate Christmas for them!”
The Doctor puts his arm around her. “That sounds like a wonderful idea.”
One day, Ian walks into their bedroom to find a holly wreath on the wall, tinsel around the doorframe and an envelope and a red ribbon-wrapped present on the bed. Confused, they open the envelope and find a handmade Christmas card in their hands.
Dear Ian, I know you miss Earth and like Christmas, so Grandfather and I have decided to celebrate Christmas for you in the TARDIS. Please join us tomorrow for Christmas presents and a roast dinner in the dining room. Merry Christmas! From Susan and the Doctor
A smile spreads across Ian’s face as they hold the lovely card. And then they rush off to find Barbara.
To her amazement, Barbara finds herself sat around a table in the fanciest dining room in the TARDIS, wearing a Christmas jumper and eating a wonderful roast dinner.
“Merry Christmas!” Susan cries, pulling a cracker with the Doctor.
And Ian gestures to the ceiling, where someone has hung a sprig of mistletoe. And Barbara smiles and reaches for their hand. And as Christmas music plays in the background, Barbara gives Ian a kiss, and she can’t remember the last time she felt this happy.