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The four ofus are postcard perfection as we open presents in front of a grand Christmas tree straight out of a magazine sporting our matching holiday pj’s.

We all opened a present last night, which consisted of red fleece Santa suit pajamas and hats. I’m not going to lie. The fleece is a little much for Florida, but the vent above me is blowing cool air, so it’s manageable.

The fluffy white ball from Lexi’s Santa hat swings to the side as she turns toward her parents. “Thanks, I love it! I desperately need a new winter wardrobe,” she says of the thousand-dollar gift card she just opened to a clothing store in Chicago.

“That’s what I figured!” her mother beams before addressing me. “Okay, Tony. Your turn to grab another,” she prompts.

“How about that big box behind you?” her dad suggests.

I open the present he indicated.

“It’s a wine-making kit,” her dad says, excited. “I got one a couple of years ago, and it was great. You and Lexi will love it. I picked out a Riesling kit to get started.”

“Wow. Thanks. This is impressive. I really appreciate it.” I smile.

I look through the kit, checking out all the components before I set it next to my pile of opened gifts, which is…a lot. None of this will fit in my luggage on the return flight home. I suppose we should’ve driven, but when Lexi described to me what to expect on Christmas morning, I didn’t fully believe her. That was a mistake.

As if her father can read my mind, he says, “Don’t worry about getting it back to Chicago. We’ll have it all shipped to you. No problem.”

“Okay.” I nod. “Sounds good.”

Lexi’s mom stands from the sofa where she’s snuggled up with her husband. I have to stop myself from laughing at her ridiculous pointy elf-toes slippers.

“I’m going to get a hot cocoa refill. Does anyone need anything from the kitchen?” she asks.

“I’ll take another cinnamon roll if you don’t mind,” Lexi’s dad says.

She shakes her head with a giant grin, then holding the puff ball on her Santa hat to the side so it won’t be in the way, she leans in to kiss her husband.

Lexi looks at me as if to say,told ya.

I was warned that present opening was an all-morning event, and as with everything else I’ve been told, the stories live up to reality. I can’t say I’d ever put this much work into one holiday, but it’s fun. There are definitely aspects I want to take home and use in the future with holidays Lexi and I share together. While it’s all a little over the top, at least compared to what I’m used to, there’s an endearing quality. It’s a celebration of love.

As the morning starts winding down, I speak up. “I have another gift for Lexi.”

I retreat to one of the guest bedrooms to retrieve the large box covered in silver paper. Both of Lexi’s parents are aware of the contents of this present. Her mom suggested, and I agreed that it should be hidden away until last. If Lexi had seen such a large item from me, she’d have wanted to open it first.

“Oh, my gosh. Look at you, getting into the excessive Christmas spirit.” She claps her hands together as I place the box before her. “It’s so big. I have no idea what this could be!”

“Open it!” her dad says.

Lexi rips the silver paper from the box to reveal another box wrapped in metallic red paper. She eyes me speculatively. “What is this?”

“Keep going.” I smile.

“So you’re going to make me work for it?” she quips.

“Always.”

She tears off the red paper to discover another box wrapped in blue metallic paper. She opens a slightly smaller box after the next until she’s left with a box small enough to fit in her palm.

“What is this?” She looks at me, eyes wide, holding the box in her hand.

“You have one more to open,” I say.

“I can’t. Are you for real? Oh, my gosh. What is going on right now?”

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