Patrick Jane is an extremely enigmatic character. One week he is the perfect gentleman. The next week he is the bane of Teresa Lisbon's existence. When you think of Patrick Jane and Christmas, the first thought is probably some crazy version of the classic Christmas carol story. Now that you're thinking about Jane and Christmas, what do you think his ideal holiday would be like? Would he even celebrate?
Honoring His Family
If for no one other reason, Patrick Jane on "The Mentalist" is likely to still enjoy Christmas simply to celebrate the memory of his late child and wife. Even though they were murdered, he still holds their memory dear. Should Jane decorate, it would likely be a simple tree with ornaments his wife and child once loved. New ornaments would be tied to their favorite things, and even memories from those he has helped since joining the CBI.
Social Or Not
When see Jane on "The Mentalist," he is often solo. He has his own agenda when on a case, and when the case is over, he spends some much needed alone time on his favorite CBI couch. However, it doesn't take him long to get someone else involved in his schemes. While he does enjoy his quiet time, during the holidays Patrick Jane is most likely to want time with his friends. Spending too much time alone would simply lead to depressing thoughts and anger at Red John for turning his life upside down. Teresa Lisbon and the rest of the CBI team would help him forget the past for a short while.
When to Open Gifts
Patrick Jane would make a game out of gifts. He would have everyone confused as to what to buy for the others. Odds are everyone would end up with extremely odd gifts, which Jane himself would be happy to take off their hands. For his own gifts, he would trick everyone into telling him exactly what he was getting in advance. To further confuse his friends, he would change out the gifts at the last minute. However, Jane can be impatient. He would definitely be a Christmas Eve type of guy for gifts.
Simple or Not
In the end, Jane would prefer a simple, classic Christmas over an overly commercialized version. A dinner with a few select friends with a relaxing cup of tea or eggnog would be the perfect way to spend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Decorations would be kept to a minimum unless he could con someone else into decorating for him.
The ideal Patrick Jane Christmas would be spent with members of the CBI team, especially Lisbon. While he wouldn't admit it, he would love the holiday and not just for the gifts.
