Sean and I picked up a live christmas tree yesterday. It's a 6ft tall Fraser Fir. The tree itself is quite broad and full. I think it is beautiful. I didn't manage to get a tree during the last 4 years living in Toronto so this one is all the more special. It's decorated with some of my treasured ornaments and some new ones I bought just this year. Presents are wrapped and under the tree and Mr.Instant-Gratification Rivinus is finding it hard to wait the 10 more days to Christmas Eve to see them opened. It's funny because I think he finds it harder to wait to see me open the gifts he has chosen for me than he is waiting until he is allowed to open his own.
As a kid I could barely wait to open my gift -- I'll admit to having done a little shaking. As an adult I find myself wrapping small gifts for myself -- a new book to read, a new sweater, a small box of chocolates -- just so I can "surprise" myself at Christmas with gifts I really wanted. (I grew up with 3 well-meaning brothers and some years the thought was all that really counted.) Often the best gifts we receive are the ones we give ourselves. This year I think I will sit back and enjoy our first Christmas together and give myself the gift of peaceful enjoyment of our first Christmas together and not allow myself to worry too much about the details.