Joey is overwhelmed dealing with the B&B, Alexander, school work and her feelings over seeing Dawson and Gretchen kiss. Dawson begins his documentary on Mr. Brooks. Jen brings Jack to a gay/straight alliance meeting where he butts head with the leader. Dawson and Gretchen both try to ignore their feelings over their kiss.

Rory asks Dean to the Chilton formal despite reluctance to do so. While making Rory's dress, Lorelai throws her back out and Emily, noticing the pain she's in, insists that she stay with Lorelai while Rory's at the formal. At the dance, Dean has an encounter with Tristan that leads to a fist-fight between the two. After the dance, Rory and Dean fall asleep together while reading as Miss Patty's. The next morning, Lorelai wakes up to the angry voice of Emily and finds that Rory has not returned home.

Christmas has arrived at The White House but Josh's lack of holiday spirit forces Leo to ask Josh to consult with a doctor who specializes in helping trauma victims. Meanwhile, President Bartlet decides that he wants to sign his Christmas cards by hand -- all 100,000 of them. Sam confronts the Energy Secretary after he advocates the use of federal oil reserves. Elsewhere, C.J. becomes interested in a elderly female tourist who has a strange reaction to French painting and sets out to find the story behind the painting.

Paul struggles to find the best joke for the mayor's Christmas card. Carter convinces Caitlin to volunteer with him at a retirement community. The mayor's attempt to be more involved in the office process goes awry.

The killing of a school-hockey coach leads to a case in which the defendant claims that he committed the crime while suffering from "sports rage."

The town has lost its Christmas spirit and the boys want to do something to bring it back. They decide to make their own little Christmas special, seeing as there are so many others out there already. They also run into Mr. Hankey, who has acquired a wife and kids since the boys saw him last, and they find him living in the sewer.

Tonight, actress Jeri Ryan promotes her new movie Dracula 2000.

With her daughter's life in jeopardy, Julie believes that only Meyer can save her. But is Meyer up to the challenge? Stan and Danny set about putting on a show for the children in Otter ward.

The barracks go to the atelier to prepare for the night. Alejandra asks Armando to introduce her to Betty.