1. I tiptoe to the car to retrieve Ian's Christmas present from the boot. I quietly wrap it in newspaper, and place it under the tree. I initially intend to let him find it by himself, but I can't resist pointing it out to him when he gets up.

2. Taking a pair of shears to the overgrown parts of the garden makes for a satisfying morning.

3. It's getting too cold up in the attic room, so we shift all our bedroom furniture to a downstairs room. It offers a refreshing perspective.