I felt full when you handed me the plate you made first.

I liked that you remembered to buy extra batteries and saved the evening.

I’m smiling at the way you folded the napkins; it’s the small careful things.

Your sleepy ‘come to bed’ after the clean-up was everything I wanted.

Your quick joke by the garland broke my stress and made me laugh again.

You walking back in with the last bag made the room exhale.

I felt calm when you tucked the blanket around both of our knees.

I kept replaying your whisper about the surprise and smiled the whole night.

Your tired ‘I did my best’ after the party was the sweetest sound.

I loved when you paused to show me the single ornament you rescued.

I liked how you chose the playlist and let me complain about one song.

Sitting with you while we waited for the roast felt like the best wait.

Your socks by the heater are making me plan to steal them later.

That moment you handed me the ribbon made me want to hold your hand.

I notice how carefully you folded the wrapping paper and it mattered to me.

I’m thinking about your cold nose pressed to the window and smiling.

You saying ‘save me a cookie’ felt like the nicest request today.

I love the quiet we shared while the oven timer ticked down.

Watching you wrestle the stubborn wreath made me laugh and love you more.

I can’t get over how you hummed through the carols while we wrapped gifts.

I’m happy you’re here, passing me plates and telling me which ornament goes where.

Seeing your mug by the sink made me stop and plan dinner with you.

Holding your mitten made me want to stay inside with you forever.

Your laugh under the tree made the whole apartment feel less small.

Woke up to cinnamon on your sweater and felt warm thinking of you.

You falling asleep with the playlist still on made me grateful in a simple way.

I loved being the one you asked to taste the sauce and give the thumbs up.

You pointing out the hidden bulb that worked made the tree look perfect to me.

I carried your leftover slice and felt glad there would be more mornings with you.

I loved that you insisted on lighting the last candle even though you were sleepy.

I noticed the dent in the bauble you saved and thought of you holding it.

Seeing you rehearse a silly toast made the whole evening easier.

You do small, exacting things and I keep noticing them.

I loved your small victory when the star finally stayed on top of the tree.

I like that you left your scarf on the chair; it smells like the night we walked home.

Your tired smile after we finished decorating is still with me.

I’m glad we burnt the first batch of cookies together.

I love sitting next to you while you untangle the lights, even when they fight you.

I still have the paper snowflake you made on the kitchen table; I smiled when I saw it this morning.

I untied your shoelaces quietly so you’ll have to kneel to retie them.