I can’t. I always want to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve but Wayne always makes me wait until Christmas morning.
It’s not because I can’t wait to see what I got. That’s not it at all. No, I’m always anxious to give Wayne his presents tonight because it’s torture keeping any kind of secrets from him. Normally I tell him everything and enjoy sharing what I bought for who. Having to keep secret what I bought for him for any length of time just kills me!
In Couples and Christmastime Traditions, Families.com family member JadeWalker explained how she and her husband have a tradition of opening one gift on Christmas Eve, then opening the rest Christmas morning. Sometimes Wayne and I do this too.
Or at least he gets to open a gift. Usually I already know what my gift is. Sometimes it’s because he’s already given it to me, like he did this year. Other times it’s because we give each other joint gifts that are a major purchase of some sort that don’t warrant wrapping and mystery.
But when we don’t do the joint gift thing and I buy presents that are just for him I can’t wait to give them to him. I think I get this from my dad.
When I was very little and my parents were still together, Christmas morning was the big unwrapping time. However, my dad always let me open one gift after Christmas Eve dinner. Looking back I think it’s because he was bursting to see my reaction. (I was very fortunate to have parents that never failed to give me delightful Christmas gifts.)
That’s the part I relish –-Wayne’s reactions. He works hard all year and it’s nice to be able to show him thanks by giving him thoughtful gifts I know will delight him.
It’s hard enough waiting as it is, but to have to wait one more day…ugh! It tries my patience more than I can say. Especially when I know he could be enjoying what I bought him tonight instead of waiting until tomorrow.
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