[s2e11] Santa (2025)

Schmidt, naturally, was more concerned with the logistics of his own social standing. He was currently trying to navigate the delicate social waters of seeing Cece at these parties, especially since she was bringing her new, very handsome boyfriend, Robby. Schmidt’s plan for the night was a mix of calculated indifference and occasional, desperate lunges for attention.

Jess looked at him, her antlers slightly crooked. For all her talk about holiday magic, she realized she’d been using the festivities as a shield. Beside her, Nick was watching from a distance, a rare look of genuine concern on his face. [S2E11] Santa

The night became a blur of eggnog and awkward encounters. At party number three, Schmidt tried to "accidentally" show off his fitness by doing pull-ups on a doorframe, only to have it nearly collapse. At party number five, Winston became convinced that a department store Santa was actually a master criminal in disguise, leading to a very intense and entirely unnecessary interrogation by the buffet table. Schmidt, naturally, was more concerned with the logistics

"If I stay moving, he can't catch me," she whispered to a skeptical Nick as they entered the first party. Jess looked at him, her antlers slightly crooked

The loft was a chaotic flurry of red velvet and tangled tinsel. Jess was in her element, vibrating with enough holiday cheer to power all of Los Angeles, while Nick looked like he’d rather be anywhere—preferably a place where "Wonderful Christmastime" wasn’t playing on a loop.

This story is based on the events of the eleventh episode of the second season of the sitcom New Girl , which originally aired in December 2012.

"Jess, stop running," he said, his voice quiet. He didn't look angry; he looked exhausted. "I don't want to play games. I want to be with you. For real."