Christmas Number One

After all the presents were opened.  All the gifts were given.  The room seemed empty & lifeless.   A wedding reception after the bride & groom and the guests leave abruptly, and all that's left is the mess and the caterers. 

I always I get a little sad at this moment on Christmas.  All that anticipation... 

I'm pretty good at gifts, and every year I hope someone will challenge my skills, but they never do.  I know it's selfish to think such things, so after that moment of sadness, I tell myself it's not about me, it's not about me.  Then the sadness goes away.  We eat and watch movies and all go on with our lives. 

Not this year though.  It wasn't a gift that changed things.  I think it had something to do with whom I was spending my Christmas.  And I'm not sure if I've ever felt that way before. 

First Marcus came & picked me up during some bad weather because I was afraid to drive. 

Over the course of two days, he cooked for the entire family several times.  He wouldn't let me lift a finger. 

Whenever he walked by, he kissed my forehead. 

He talked to our baby. 

I lay my head on a pillow on the couch, and he put my feet on the couch & covered me with a blanket.   

Maybe he was trying to impress his mom.  Whatever his motivation, I don't care.  He made me feel loved.  

I guess it was a gift that deterred the recurring moment of sadness.  Just an intangible one.