“Dressing up for Christmas”

I tend to be a Christmas maximalist; at least if you ask my husband, Peter, that's what he would say.

Peter would dispense with the tree, the presents and most of the outings. He'd hang a few ornaments on a houseplant, have a nice meal and go to bed early. But Peter cares for me a lot, and he knows how much I love Christmas.

I want a live tree. If I can't chop it down myself, I'll haul it home from the hardware store. I want lights on the balcony and a little present for everyone. I want fancy new wrapping paper and pretty, old ornaments and a holiday setting on the table. I want to light too many candles, bake too many cookies and end up with a floor covered with ribbon and powdered sugar at the end of the night. Peter is very patient.