Crystal Harris was at a crossroads. "I was in my last semester at San Diego State, getting a psychology degree, and I didn't know what I wanted to do next," says the 23-year-old. Then she met Hugh Hefner at the Playboy Mansion's 2008 Halloween party and, well, Hef's and Miss December's Christmas came early. "Hef was so humble and easy to talk to, which is one of the things I love about him," she says. "It was as if we already knew each other." Crystal has become the icon's main girlfriend, the down-to-earth yin to the wild yang of the Shannon sisters. Like Hef, Crystal has had a lifelong love of philanthropy. Not that she's a saint. "I won't lie -- I love glamour," she says. "Flying in private planes and fine dining? Give it to me all day, every day! But growing up, I was far from being a rich girl, so I don't take this for granted. I want to be a Playmate who is a good role model." This holiday season Miss December received quite a gift: herself. "I didn't have much confidence in myself before, and I think the number one priority for happiness is to be comfortable in your own skin. I am now," she says. "Living in the Mansion has been a great year of growth. I've learned how to be myself."