The door opened,
mother faced us,
father behind her,
siblings assemed.
I smiled, nervous,
your hand in mine.
A squeeze,
excited shouts
hugs passed between.

In we went,
laden with parcels
children escaping with gifts,
men eying the food.
The smell of it,
mingling,
with the sweet perfume you wore.

Roses sat on the table.
We sat down.
Plates clanking.
Glasses cheering.
Food and wine
passed in equal measure.

Gifts exchanged.
Scarf, dress for you.
Beautiful, yellow, red.
Boots for me.
Soft, unbroken leather.
Toys for the tots.
Cries of and excitement.

We finished the night,
you and I.
Sitting behind a horse, entranced,
wrapped in blankets and arms.
Grinning despite the cold.
Clip clop.
We drove through the park,

the old driver caroling.
We passed the tall tree,
dazzling with multi colored lights.
You looked in awe
at the tree,
shining in the night.
But I
I stared at you.
Radiant,
wide eyed,
beautiful.