With only one episode to go in 2012, The Vampire Diaries pulls out all the stops with tonight’s mid-season finale, O Come All Ye Faithful.

And while the show has given fans countless reasons to be joyous this year (Elena as a vampire, the return of Caroline & Stefan’s friendship, a beefed up role for Matt), the citizens of Mystic Falls have continued to face death, destruction and diddling sired vampires.

This ETonline exclusive behind-the-scenes photo from tonight’s episode shows Elena and Professor Shane facing off with an ax-wielding Damon on the dock of her parent’s lake house. Along with Bonnie, the three have traveled there to try and help Jeremy conquer some dangerous inner demons. Like those pesky Hunter spirits that make him want to kill his sister.
But that plan gets thrown for a loop when Professor Shane reveals a piece of ancient history that leaves them all speechless.

Jaws will also be dropping once Klaus learns some shocking information that leads to chaos and violence on the streets of Mystic Falls, coating their Winter Wonderland-themed party with blood. Although why that town continues to throw events is beyond me since every single one ends with someone dying.