Shelly knew Christmas wasn't a big time of the year for Sam. He dutifully cut down a tree, strung the lights, and even hung a few ornaments, but he never really seemed to get into the "spirit" of the season.

On Christmas morning, Sam sipped his coffee and watched patiently as the kids tore into their gifts with great enthusiasm, "oohing" and "aahing" over all the fun stuff. Shelly took great pleasure from unwrapping each of her packages precisely as she prolonged the enjoyment of each gift. There was a nice blouse from her Mom, a very pretty outfit from Sam (which she had picked out herself), some cute handmade gifts from the kids, and various odds & ends from her friends and family.

Sam quietly enjoyed opening his gifts but was more interested in watching everyone else. When it seemed as though there were no more gifts under the tree, Sam reached way back and handed Shelly one last package. It was heavy, too heavy to be those earrings to match the necklace he'd surprised her with eons ago. Unwrapping the box, she pulled out, of all things, a blender.

Well, after all, he was a practical man. He did love her and this showed it . . . she guessed. "Open it" he said, "this is the best one on the market."

Opening the box, she pulled the blender out and saw that it contained a lavishly gift-wrapped little box, and she began to feel butterflies in her stomach. She reached down in and pulled the box out. When she opened it, she found her matching pair of diamond earrings. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Sam. He matched her teary gaze as he said, "Honey, I love you. Merry Christmas".